US elections: ANC’s Fikile Mbalula revels in Donald Trump, Republicans’ midterm pain

African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has expressed delight over the defeat of the Republican Party in the United States midterm elections, declaring he is “over the moon” that US President Donald Trump had been “walloped” at the polls.

Speaking from a voting station during South Africa’s local government elections on Wednesday, Mbalula welcomed the American election results amid ongoing international diplomatic friction.

“I’m elated that Donald Trump has been walloped… because he’s not been nice to us as a country,” Mbalula remarked.

“I’m over the moon” – ANC Secretary general Fikile Mbalula says he’s elated that the Republicans, especially Donald Trump, has been “walloped” at the midterms. #2026LGE pic.twitter.com/gEYPmUlB1t

— Kgothatso Madisa (@kgmadisa) November 4, 2026

Mbalula’s reaction comes after the Democratic Party captured control of both the US Senate and the House of Representatives in a nationwide rejection of the Trump administration.

Driven by voter frustration over living costs, trade tariffs, and military conflicts in Iran, the Democratic victory severely restricts Trump’s legislative agenda for the final two years of his presidency.

Worsening Diplomatic Tensions Between Pretoria and Washington

The political shift in Washington arrives during a period of mounting bilateral strain.

Tensions escalated furtther after Trump issued formal notice terminating South Africa’s duty-free trade access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), effective 1 January 2027.

Senior US Representative Richard Neal condemned the executive decision as “Trump chaos” grounded in grievance.

Bilateral relations have been further tested by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio introducing visa restrictions against South Africans tied to transformation and redress legislation.